NSW Rugby Union (NSWRU) have this week submitted a Development Application (DA) to Bayside Council for its proposed Centre of Excellence.
It’s another significant milestone for the project, with detailed designs submitted to Council for assessment.
The facility – set to be located David Phillips Sports Complex – follows a two-year tenancy from NSWRU at Daceyville.
The project has been made possible thanks to an $18 million grant from the NSW Government.
Set to be constructed on an area of the Complex adjacent to Cook and Gwea Avenue, the state-of-the-art two-storey facility will be predominately used by the Super Rugby, Super W and Academy programs.
The Centre will also service rugby around the state, becoming a central ‘hub’ for the game at all levels – with everything from training facilities to function spaces, meeting areas and shared offices.
NSW Rugby CEO, Paul Doorn said that the DA submission was a fantastic way to round out the year.
“It goes without saying that it’s been a challenging year for everyone, to finalise this element of the project is really pleasing,” Doorn said.
“COVID did have an impact on some of our project timelines, but our Project Control Group and our design consultants, Ontoit and COX Architect have worked tirelessly to get us to this point.
“It’s a significant body of work and one that will benefit the Waratahs and rugby across New South Wales for many years to come.”
General Manager of Business Operations, Adam Fulepp said the Project Control Group had worked closely with the surrounding community regarding the development.
“We’re extremely excited to be remaining in Daceyville [following relocation from Moore Park] and I’d like to thank the University of New South Wales for their support of this project from the outset,” Fulepp.
“We feel the ongoing presence of a national sporting team will contribute significantly to the amenity of the area and we’re excited to see this project come to fruition.
“Engaging with our neighbours and the wider community has been an important part of the process, ensuring they understand our plans for the Centre and how we’ll effectively manage the construction process.
“We’re looking forward to working with Bayside Council on this Application to ensure we can begin construction as soon as possible.”
